Deborah Smith of Hampton Joins Lung Cancer Advocates from Every State on Capitol Hill to Fight for More Research Funding

Local New Hampshire LUNG FORCE Hero Joined Volunteers from Across the Country to Urge Congress to Support Robust, Sustained Federal Funding Increases for Research

(March 23, 2016) -

HAMPTON,NH — Last week, Deborah Smith of Hampton joined the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative and “LUNG FORCE Heroes” – Americans personally impacted by lung cancer – from every state at the U.S. Capitol to press Senators Ayotte and Shaheen, for continued bipartisan momentum toward defeating lung cancer.

During Advocacy Day, Deborah Smith shared her personal experience with lung cancer. Deborah’s personal battle with lung cancer began in August 2011, the week of her 58th birthday. A never-smoker, Deborah was treated for allergy-induced asthma for six months before she was sent for a chest X-Ray; where a tumor the size of a small orange was discovered. A biopsy and DNA testing showed that Deborah has non-small cell lung cancer. She has been on three clinical trials.

“When I received my lung cancer diagnosis I was shocked, it is something you think you’ll never hear – think will never happen to you,” said Smith. “The truth is, anyone can be diagnosed with this disease. It is critical that we commit to educating everyone on the risks of lung cancer so that it can be detected at an early stage, when the most treatment options are available.”

“Participating in LUNG FORCE’s Advocacy Day was an honor. Seeing 50 of my fellow Heroes come together from across the country striving towards one goal was tremendous,” said Smith. “I hope that our efforts help to advocate for increased funding for cancer research.”

Smith encourages everyone to advocate for lung cancer research to their members of Congress in Washington, D.C. To learn more about Deborah Smith's story and the LUNG FORCE initiative, visit LUNGFORCE.org.